The sports industry is among the highest-paid industries in the world. Global sports revenue was 6 million by the end of 2021. Likewise, by the end of 2028, world sports betting is likely to exceed $140 billion. This raises the billion-dollar question: Who will get the most out of this giant industry other than athletes? Of course, none.

Athletes are the highest-paid professionals throughout the world. Be it golf, basketball, NBA, soccer, or football. Athletes get handsomely paid. In this blog, we have put together the 7 richest athletes in the world that you probably have never heard of. Let’s go through them step by step.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is famously known as the NBA’s goat and he tops the list of the richest athletes. As one of the massive NBA players, Jordan played 14 NBA seasons for Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. As of the latest reports of 2021, he has a net worth of $2.2 billion.

Chbani / Pexels / Boys attempting Dunk.

Although he has retired from the NBA, he still has massive contracts with Upper Deck, Hanse, Nike, and Gatorade. These endorsements add up to his rapidly growing net worth.

Kobe Bryant

Our second pick-up is none other than legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant. Although an unfortunate plane crash took his life in earlier 2020, his legacy sustains. He had played the last 6 seasons of his career as the highest-paid NBA player.

By the time of his death, Bryant’s net worth was reported to be  $800 million. These earnings were the outcome of his phenomenal career and his long-term endorsement with major companies. However, he had launched his own brands - named Bryant Stibel and Kobe Inc - that added up to his net worth.

Arnold Palmer

Hailing as the most charismatic golfer, Palmer is another richest athlete in the world. He became widely popular during the PGA Tour Championships. It will not be an exaggeration that Palmer was the highest-paid golfer - from the early 1960s to the 1990s.

Nadim / Pexels / Records show that Arnold was a top-class golfer in the 1960s.

By the time of his death in 2016, his net worth was reported to be $1.4 billion. However, his net worth is still stable and staggering because of his endorsements with several companies.

David Beckham

David Beckham is among the most cheered English footballers. He had the most colorful career as an English footballer - as he played for English National Team and Manchester United.

By the time of his retirement, David’s career earnings were reported to be $800 million. However, as of 2021, he has a stable net worth of $450 million.

Shaquille O’Neal

Popularly known as Shaq, Shaquille O’Neal is probably the most acclaimed NBA player of all time. Despite his wonderful NBA career, he is widely cheered for his humungous stature and sense of humor. He is currently serving as Sports Analyst after playing 19 seasons in the NBA.

As of the latest reports, Shaq has a widely growing net worth of $400 million with a career earning of $750 million.

Jack Nicklaus

The widely popular former golfer Jack Nicklaus is popular as “The Golden Bear.” He had the most successful career as a professional golfer as his career earnings were estimated to be $1.2 billion. Nonetheless, as of 2021, he has a staggering net worth of $400 million.

Phil Mickelson

Kindel / Pexels / Phil's one-time award - worth $884 million - was greater than his entire career's earnings.

Former highly awarded golfer, Phil Mickelson easily makes it to the list of richest athletes. In fact, his career prize money of $884 million alone puts him on the list of richest athletes. This prize is the second-highest cash prize given to any golfer - in the history of golf.

Phil’s career earnings amounted to $815 and he currently has a net worth of $450 million.